Jul 23, 2013 8:45 AM

I am running a pilot survey that is attempting to understand why we run marathons and I would appreciate your input. I'm hoping for responses from previous marathoners as well as from folks that haven't run one before but are thinking about it. The numbers of people that are signing up for marathons is growing every year and my mission is to try to understand why. And for the record, I have no affiliation with any event organizers, running organizations, manufacturers or retailers in the running industry. I am a runner with an interest in why things are what they are.

The link for the survey (4 questions - it'll take you 60 seconds) is located at:

Nice question. People run marathona because it keeps and improve your health, keeps stronger bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and other bone deficiencies, improve immune system and also reduced rick of back pain. I am also running in sacramento for color run 2013. It will be my first run ever.

As folks respond to my quick survey (located at http://whydowerunmarathons.blogspot.com) I'm learning that there are obviously many reasons why people run a marathon, and some are somewhat startling... I don't want to post a synopsis just yet, as I am hoping for some additional input. But it turns out that some people run (or attempt to run) for some interesting reasons.

Again, the survey (4 questions, it'll take you 60 seconds, totally anonymous) is located at